ACC Basketball: Breakout candidates from each team for 2020-21 season

ACC Basketball breakout candidate – Cartier Diarra (Virginia Tech)

After an exceedingly ugly end to their season last year, the Hokies might feel more relieved rather than disappointed after their former leading scorer, who often played hard but struggled to stay consistent, decided to transfer out to Memphis this spring. But unlike Boston College, their product coming in exchange highlights Virginia Tech’s future roster as their most likely solution.

Although unknown for now as a newcomer to the ACC, we might soon recognize Cartier Diarra‘s name once fans start chanting it throughout Cassell Coliseum come November. While playing for Kansas State last year, Diarra averaged 13.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. Even scoring over 20 points during five games last year, nobody doubts Diarra’s ability to put the ball through the hoop.

Although some turnover issues certainly exist, assistance from Wabissa Bede, who seems likely to take on primary ball-handling duties, alongside Nahiem Alleyne and Jalen Cone may alleviate some pressure normally imposed upon Diarra from his days at Kansas State. Freed up to take on the game at his own pace and with more assistance than ever before, the Hookies appear more likely to get Diarra’s best, rather than his worst.

Overall though, predicting a profitable season for the Hokies might prove foolish especially when considering the opposing teams brilliantly assembled already to compete against them, but Diarra’s potential to break out still serves as a reason for fans to tune each night.